The White House Grounds & Entrance The north side of the White House was the official and ceremonial entrance. Outside, people gathered for weekly levees, inaugural receptions, an occasional presidential “serenade” and the review of troops. July 4, 1861 was celebrated by a grand review of troops by President Lincoln, General Winfield Scott and other… […]

Emilie (Emily) Todd Helm Half-sister of Mary Todd Lincoln, Emilie (Emily) Todd Helm first came to the White House in December 1863, accompanied by her daughter Katherine. In March 1861, President Lincoln had offered her husband, Ben Hardin Helm, the job of army paymaster, which he declined. He instead became a confederate… Abraham Lincoln’s White […]

Elizabeth Todd Grimsley “Cousin Lizzie,” Mary Todd Lincoln’s cousin, came to the White House with the Lincolns and described her temporary home as being “in a perfect state of readiness for the incomers—A competent chef, with efficient butler and waiters.” Mary Todd Lincoln was fond her cousin: “She is a noble, good woman and has…” […]

John Nicolay (1832-1901) Private Secretary to President Lincoln, John Nicolay subsequently co-authored Abraham Lincoln: A History with John Hay. He wrote The Outbreak of Rebellion on his own. Nicolay was a former journalist with the Pike County Sucker, Pittsfield Free Press, and a clerk to the Illinois Secretary of State… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

John Hay (1838-1905) John Hay, the Assistant Private Secretary to Abraham Lincoln, co-authored the 10-volume Abraham Lincoln: A History. He was clerking his uncle’s law office in Springfield in 1859-60 when he came to know President-elect Lincoln. John G. Nicolay, Mr. Lincoln’s secretary, insisted that Hay accompany them… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Elizabeth Todd Edwards Like many of Mary Lincoln’s relatives, Elizabeth Edwards came to Washington for the First Inauguration in March 1861. She stayed at the White House along with her daughters, Julia Baker and Elizabeth Edwards and two half-sisters. Unlike cousin Elizabeth Grimsley, however, Mrs. Edwards soon returned to… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Notable Visitors Among the visitors to the White House were many politicians and office-seekers. Although Mr. Lincoln seldom read the newspapers, some of the regular visitors were journalists. Some of them were family friends—like Noah Brooks. Some were also prominent Republican leaders… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Mary’s Charlatans Journalist Henry Villard noted that Mary Todd Lincoln started contributing to President Lincoln’s troubles as soon as the family arrived in Washington. She had very strong opinions about people. If she could not convince her husband directly, she sometimes tried more circuitous routes to obtain… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Employees & Staff Most of the household employees of the White House were white although there were several blacks, including butler-waiter Peter Brown, cook Cornelia Mitchell, and an usher named Edward. The President himself brought a black servant with him from Illinois but racial problems… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >

Mary Todd Lincoln (1818-1882) Called “Mother” by Mr. Lincoln, Mary Todd was the fourth child of Robert and Eliza Parker Todd. Raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Mary came to Springfield, Illinois to visit her sisters in 1840. After a tumultuous courtship, she married Abraham Lincoln on November 4, 1842. Often… Abraham Lincoln’s White House >